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Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA, 1304 9th Street P O Box 70, Harlan, IA (2025)

12/15/2025

Edward "Old Man" Stevens

Full Obituary Pending

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to cover unexpected expenses.

Survivors include his fiance Vicki Osby of Avoca, IA; children Bobby Stevens of Atlantic, IA; David Stevens of Exira, IA; Dane (Kylie) Stevens of Harlan, IA; Austen "Ozzie" (Claire) Stevens of Neola, IA; Cherry Budd of Avoca, IA; Cherryl (Seth) Ferguson; Donovon Isaacson of Avoca, IA; Tyler Williams of Avoca, IA; Amber Woosley of Walnut, IA; 24 grandchildren + 1 on the way; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings Eva (Randy) Neese of Walnut, IA; Mary Anderson of Phoenix, AZ; Barbara (Wayne) Rush of Walnut, IA; Ralphie (Frances) Karstens of Phoenix, AZ; Darrell Stevens of Ocean Shores, WA

View Edward "Old Man" Stevens's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/15/2025

Alondra Vargas

Full Obituary Pending

Survivors include her mother and stepdad Mariá (Tim) Gubbels of Avoca, IA; siblings Miguel, Erick, Timothy, Ethen, Hayden, Andrew, and Vanessa; and many, many friends.

View Alondra Vargas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/12/2025

David "Vince" Pullen

Full Obituary Pending...

He is survived by his significant other, Linda Nelson; children, Curt (Jessica) Pullen of Brayton, IA; Sam Pullen (Lexas Petersen) of Denison, IA; Justin (Dawn) Bigley of Cherokee, IA; Amber Nelson; 4 grandchildren; siblings, Sherry Namanny of Denison, IA; Terry Pullen of Deloit, IA.

View David "Vince" Pullen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/09/2025

Alan Thornton

Alan Thornton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother, passed away on December 8, 2025, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was born on March 15, 1953, in Jefferson, Iowa to Francis and Gladys (Henderson) Thornton. Alan graduated from Paton Churdan High School in 1971, where he showed his talent for baseball, even being drafted by the Twins. However, his passion for driving took him down a different path.

Alan’s love for driving truck started when he was young. Dick Mackey let him shuffle trucks around in the lot at the age of 9. From there the shuffle of trucks turned into a job during high school and beyond. During high school, he transported cattle to the Omaha Livestock Exchange. These experiences ignited his love for driving trucks, and he went on to start his own trucking company, Thornton Trucking, in the early 80s and was so proud of it. He drove for various companies, including Best, Schueman Brother’s Trucking, Steve Emken of Oakland, TMC Trucking, and Foodliner, until his retirement in 2019. Even retirement didn't slow him down, as he continued to work driving for Krohn Farms.

Outside of work, Alan enjoyed a simple life filled with hobbies that brought him joy. He loved hunting, fishing, fixing up antique pedal tractors, and most of all, spending time with his grandkids. His wife, Patricia, was the light of his life, and he cherished the moments they shared together.

Alan was preceded in death by his mother and father, Gladys and Francis Thornton; mother and father-in-law Ross and Beatrice Adams. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia Thornton of Avoca, Iowa; his children Brad Thornton, Brian (Mindy) Thornton, and Brenda (Eric) Hansen; nine grandchildren: Madison (Austin), Macy, Lane, Blake, Jade, Haley, Gavin, Adelyn, and special granddaughter Taylor Anzalone; as well as one great-grandson, Creed. He also leaves behind his sister Jane Borkowski of Churdan, Iowa; other family and many friends.

View Alan Thornton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/09/2025

Tina Thielen

Tina Louise Thielen was born on July 26, 1965, in Topeka, Kansas, to Robert and Janice Dickinson. Tina spent 44 years working as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, and later as a Certified Medication Aide. She was dedicated to her work and found great purpose in caring for others. Her kindness, patience, and gentle approach touched the lives of many people over the course of her career.

In 1986, Tina married James Thielen in Topeka, Kansas. Though they later divorced, the family they created remained the center of her world. She was a loving mother to Jessy and Jacky Thielen and a proud grandmother whose heart was fullest when her grandchildren were nearby. Over the years, Tina generously welcomed many other children into her life, opening her home and heart to those who needed it.

She enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies throughout her life. Tina loved playing softball when she was younger, and was a very talented catcher. She had a deep love for her pets, her plants, and her family. She found joy in helping others and was happiest when surrounded by the people she cared for. Tina also had a fun, spirited side and especially loved listening to Ozzy Osbourne.

Tina passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at her home in Kimballton, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janice Dickinson.

She is survived by her children, Jessy Thielen of Earling, IA, Jacky Thielen (Jason Genzler) of Kimballton, IA; father, Robert Dickinson of Harlan, IA; five grandchildren, Lexy Coenen, Jeremy Thielen, Jason Thielen, Jonathon Thielen, Juniper Fineran; siblings, Mike Dickinson of Elk Horn, IA, Tracy (Mindy) Dickinson of Harlan, IA, Stacy Dickinson of Harlan, IA; two nephews, Tommy and Justin Dickinson; daughter-in-law, Cassondra Thielen of Kimballton, IA other relatives and friends.

View Tina Thielen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/05/2025

Elvin Yobani Flores-Galvez

Elvin Yobani Flores-Galvez, son of Jose Flores-Lopez and Maria Galvez-Franco, was born on July 21, 2011 in Denison, Iowa. The youngest of three children, Elvin was baptized at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. He started his schooling in Denison before transferring to Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove school.

Elvin’s bubbly and happy personality always kept his friends and family smiling and laughing. While at home he even pretended to be dead sticking his tongue out of his mouth so he could scare his dad when he walked into his room. Elvin also loved gaming with his big brother “Missle” often sneaking into his room while he was at work and using his X-Box while always remembering to return all the settings exactly as they were so Missle wouldn’t know. He loved having a big brother who he also loved wrestling and fishing with over the years.

Elvin felt he was blessed with an extra mother in his aunt Anna Maria Galvez who adored helping take care of him. He also had an uncle on his dad’s side that his dad swears Elvin was a carbon copy of even down to his “Mexican Scream.” He adored not only his aunts and uncles but also loved being an uncle himself to a nephew and niece, Javanie and Phoebe.

He also loved playing soccer and football and never wanted to be treated different or special because of his illness - he just wanted to be a kid. He even was able to attend the OABCIG prom in the Spring of 2025. Elvin thought it was pretty cool that he was able to attend it in a limousine and was supposed to be home by 9:00 PM but didn’t roll in until 11:00 PM because he was having so much fun with his friends.

Not only did he have a special big brother, he also had a very special and loving big sister, Yami, also know as “Emmy.” He was always looking out for her and letting her know she was loved by him. Elvin also had a close relationship with his dog Canelo who was given to him by Wayne and Kayla Baker some of his closest friends. He also knew that after his death, Canelo would be well taken care of by his family and friends. Elvin also loved Spiderman and every cartoon or movie that came out featuring Spiderman. His favorite birthday gift was a web slinger and he enjoyed shooting webs at all his friends and family members.

Elvin died on December 3, 2025 at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska after a long, brave fight against cancer. He is survived by parents Maria Galvez-Franco and Jose Flores-Lopez of Kiron, IA; brother Misael “Missle” Flores-Galvez (fiancé Nautica Castillo) of Deloit, IA; sister Yamilet Flores-Galvez of Kiron, Iowa; aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

Elvin Yobani Flores-Galvez, hijo de José Flores-López y María Gálvez-Franco, nació el 21 de julio de 2011 en Denison, Iowa. El menor de tres hijos, Elvin fue bautizado en la Iglesia Católica St. Rose of Lima en Denison. Comenzó su escolarización en Denison antes de trasladarse a la escuela Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove.

La personalidad burbujeante y alegre de Elvin siempre mantuvo a sus amigos y familiares sonriendo y riendo. Mientras estaba en casa, incluso pretendía estar mu**to sacando la lengua de su boca para asustar a su papá cuando entraba en su habitación. A Elvin también le encantaba jugar videojuegos con su hermano mayor "Missle", a menudo colándose en su habitación mientras él estaba en el trabajo y usando su X-Box, siempre recordando devolver todas las configuraciones exactamente como estaban para que Missle no lo supiera. Le encantaba tener un hermano mayor con quien también le encantaba luchar y pescar a lo largo de los años.

Elvin sentía que fue bendecido con una madre extra en su tía Anna Maria Gálvez, a quien le encantaba ayudar a cuidarlo. También tenía un tío por parte de su papá que su papá jura que Elvin era una copia al carbón, incluso hasta su "Grito Mexicano". Adoraba no solo a sus tías y tíos, sino que también le encantaba ser tío de un sobrino y una sobrina, Javanie y Phoebe.

También le encantaba jugar fútbol y nunca quiso ser tratado diferente o especial debido a su enfermedad, solo quería ser un niño. Incluso pudo asistir al baile de graduación de OABCIG en la primavera de 2025. Elvin pensó que era genial que pudiera asistir en una limusina y se suponía que debía estar en casa a las 9:00 PM, pero no llegó hasta las 11:00 PM porque se estaba divirtiendo mucho con sus amigos.

No solo tenía un hermano mayor especial, sino que también tenía una hermana mayor muy especial y cariñosa, Yami, también conocida como "Emmy". Siempre estaba cuidándola y haciéndole saber que era amada por él. Elvin también tenía una relación cercana con su perro Canelo, quien le fue regalado por Wayne y Kayla Baker, algunos de sus amigos más cercanos. También sabía que después de su muerte, Canelo sería bien cuidado por su familia y amigos. A Elvin también le encantaba Spiderman y todos los dibujos animados o películas que salían con Spiderman. Su regalo de cumpleaños favorito fue un lanzador de telarañas y disfrutaba disparando telarañas a todos sus amigos y familiares.

Elvin murió el 3 de diciembre de 2025 en el Children's Hospital en Omaha, Nebraska, después de una larga y valiente lucha contra el cáncer. Le sobreviven sus padres María Gálvez-Franco y José Flores-López de Kiron, IA; hermano Misael "Missle" Flores-Galvez (prometida Nautica Castillo) de Deloit, IA; hermana Yamilet Flores-Galvez de Kiron, Iowa; tías, tíos, primos y muchos amigos.

View Elvin Flores-Galvez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/02/2025

Dennis Wayne McCullough

Dennis Wayne McCullough was born September 20, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa. On December 20, 1948, he was proudly adopted by Gerald and Viola (Duskin) McCullough of Griswold, Iowa. He grew up on a farm east of town and graduated from Griswold High School, with the class of 1966.

Following high school, he served in the Nebraska National Guard while also working at Schuler Manufacturing. On September 4, 1971, Denny was united in marriage to Lila Butler at United Methodist Church in Griswold. They resided in Atlantic, until 1976 when they built a home east of Griswold. Three children were born to this union: Michael, Tony, and Anna. In 1984, they bought a house in town where Denny lived for the remainder of his life.

After working at Schulers for over 20 years, he made a change and went to work for SkyJack in Atlantic. He remained working for the company after they closed, traveling all over the United States with close co-workers and his son Tony, repairing the lift machines. When that job ended, he worked in Red Oak for a few years at the battery plant before retiring in 2011.

In the early 90's, Denny decided to search for his biological parents, he was able to meet his mother, Dottie and half brother, Cohn. Also finding a half sister, Diann on his father’s side. Those reunions were very special to him and he made many trips to Florida and central Iowa to visit. As his family grew, Denny took on the role of being the best grandpa to his four granddaughters, playing a big part in each of their lives. He was always proud of his kids, grandchildren, and being a newly great grandparent.

Throughout the years, Denny made many valued friendships through his work, and at his favorite bar in town. He loved sharing stories with classmates and people he knew growing up in a small town his whole life. Those who loved him, knew he was a simple man with a good heart.

He passed away peacefully on Monday, December 1, 2025, at University of Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, attaining the age of seventy-seven years, two months and eleven days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Vi McCullough and biological parents Dorothy (Casebolt) Droter and Billie James Espy.

He is survived by his children, Michael McCullough of Adel, Iowa, Tony (Hollie) McCullough of Atlantic, Iowa, and Anna (Mike) Jones of Harlan, Iowa; 4 granddaughters, Payten (Allan) Hopp of Harlan, Iowa, Baylee (Tyler) Andersen of Irwin, Iowa, Cierra (Michael) Erlemeier of Harlan, Iowa, and Amaurie McCullough of Atlantic, Iowa; 2 great grandsons, Arthur Hopp and Thomas Andersen; half-brother, Cohn Barnes of Edgewater, Florida; half-sister, Diann Hurtt; other relatives and many friends.

View Dennis Wayne McCullough's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/01/2025

Avoca Annual Service of Remembrance

You and your family are invited to our Annual Service of Remembrance on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM. This program is dedicated to those who have lost a loved one. We feel it is important to remember these individuals and their families who are going through the holidays without their loved one. During the program, we will have special music, speakers, and hand out a complimentary ornament engraved with your loved one’s name, year of birth and year of death for you to take home.

View Avoca Annual Service of Remembrance's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/26/2025

Thomas Joseph Schulte

Thomas Joseph Schulte was born to John and Edna (Gollobit) Schulte on November 20, 1949 in Earling, Iowa. He was baptized at St Joseph's Catholic church in Earling. He graduated from Harlan Community High School in 1968.

Tom enlisted in the Air Force in 1970 during the Vietnam conflict. He trained and served as a medic during his time in the service. Tom was stationed at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Japan and Clark Air Force base in the Philippines.

After completing his military service, Tom continued his medical career. He earned his nursing degree from Western Iowa Tech and later graduated with honors from Buena Vista College earning a B.A. in Health Arts.

Tom's nursing career took him to several places. He worked as an ER nurse in Houston, Texas, and then he moved to Denver, Colorado to be closer to his brother Bill and was a Flight for Life emergency nurse at St Anthony's Hospital. After his time in Colorado, he returned to Iowa, where he felt most at home. He became a psychiatric nurse at Douglas County Hospital at the acute psychiatric care unit until his retirement.

Upon retirement he volunteered with the Red Cross as an onsite emergency disaster and triage nurse and given awards for his service. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 615 in Earling serving as the Adjutant, and he also served as an Ombudsman for the residents of Little Flower Haven nursing home. He was someone people could count on to listen, to advocate, and to show kindness.

Throughout his life, Tom was drawn to philosophy, Christianity, Buddhism, and spiritual study. These interests brought him peace and shaped the gentle way he moved through the world.

Tom passed away peacefully in Harlan, Iowa on Saturday, November 22, 2025 attaining the age of 76 years and 2 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Edna Schulte; brother, Gerald Schulte and sister, Mary Ann Schulte.

He is survived by his siblings, Julianne Andersen (Thomas Gubbels) of Harlan, IA, Pamela (Terry) Goetz of Defiance, IA, William (Suzzette) Schulte of Centennial, CO, and John "JR" (Suzie) Schulte of Maple Grove, MN; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Tom's name to the American Red Cross, an organization Tom supported and believed in deeply.

View Thomas Joseph Schulte's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/25/2025

Lester Bywater

Lester Beryl Bywater, the son of James Benjamin and Armillda Helen Bywater, was born on February 12, 1938, in Tarkio, Missouri. He was one of 11 children. He grew up in Tarkio where he enjoyed playing sports like baseball and football.

Lester met Marian and eloped to Pineville, Louisiana where they were united in marriage on August 29, 1959. From this union, they were blessed with six children: Christina, Carol, Regina, Richele, David, and Cherie. The family lived in several states before settling in Avoca, Iowa, where Lester worked as a plant foreman for many years before he retired.

He loved gardening and fishing. No one grew a better tomato or told a taller fishing tale. Once Lester and Marian became empty nesters, they enjoyed many wonderful winters in Florida with their daughter Cherie and her family. They also enjoyed spending their summers camping and fishing with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lester passed away on Monday, November 24th, 2025, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. He had reached the age of 87 years, 9 months, and 12 days. Lester was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Regina Garner; two sons-in-law; six brothers; and three sisters.

He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Annie (Tom) Bowers; his children, Christina (Dennis) Quick, Carol (Barney) Thomsen, Richele Walker, David (Christene) Bywater, Cherie Porter; his grandchildren, Joshua, Heather, Cory, Eric, Travis, Nelson, Karli, Jack, Grant, Cole, and Chelsie; two great-grandchildren, Peyton and Chloe; and many other loving family members.

View Lester Bywater's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/25/2025

Kenneth Towne

Full Obituary Pending

Survivors include his wife Loraine Towne of Hancock, IA; children Dale (Brenda) Towne of Council Bluffs, IA; Amy Towne of Fort Collins, CO; Andrea Turk of Fort Collins, CO; 9 grandchildren: Patrick, Lauren, Kael, Kaden, Taylor, Connor, Brant, Dauphine and Annemarie; siblings Curtis (Ruby) Towne of Griswold, IA; Jerry Towne of Henderson, IA; Orlo (Cheryl) Towne of Griswold, IA; brother-in-law Wayne Steinbeck of Lyman, IA.

Preceded in death by son Darren Towne, daughter Darci Towne and son-in-law Casey Turk.

View Kenneth Towne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/24/2025

Jane Rau

Jane Mary Henscheid was born on September 19, 1932, in Westphalia, IA, to Joseph "Joe" and Marie "Mary" Henscheid. Jane was very proud of her Westphalia roots. She graduated from St. Boniface High School in 1950. She then became a Franciscan nun and served as the cook for the religious in the communities of La Crosse, WI; Spencer, IA; and Bozeman, MT.

After 16 years, life took her in a different direction and moved to Omaha, NE. She had several different jobs there; in 1985, she got a job at Boys Town cooking and caring for Fr. Val Peter. She worked there until getting married to Leo Rau on April 13, 1991. They made their home in Omaha and were married for 30 years. After Leo's death, she wanted to move closer to home. She resided at Elm Crest in Harlan, IA, and thrived there, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

Jane loved to cook and bake. She could be counted on to bring an ice cream bucket of cookies to any family occasion. She took pride in her beautiful hair and received many compliments on it. She was a big Creighton basketball fan and watched every game she could. She also loved to play cards and bingo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo; parents, Joe and Mary; son-in-law, Lyle Simmons; sisters, Verena (Cyril) Schomers, Marie (Tom) Case, Marcella "Sally" (Roman) Leuschen, Iona "Onie" (Bill) Smith; and brothers, Jeron, Virgil (Theresa), and Urban "Urbie" (Therese) Henscheid.

She is survived by her stepchildren, Kathleen (David) Klein of Omaha, NE; Jacqueline Simmons of Omaha NE; Janet (Dave) Schonder of Bennington NE; Laura Webb of Bellevue, NE; John (Josie Lynn) Rau of Gretna NE; Kevin (Regina) Rau of Omaha, NE, grandchildren, great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorials to be directed to St. James Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska at 4710 N 90th St, Omaha, NE 68134.

View Jane Rau's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Pauley Jones Funeral Home - Harlan, Avoca and Denison, IA

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